Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony HX80

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony HX80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is pretty similar and they enjoy the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was introduced 5 years earlier than the HX80 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores vs the HX80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS enjoys physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony HX80 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony HX80 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the HX80.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and HX80 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by going over technical specs. The photograph here may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and HX80.

As you have seen, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Sony HX80 to offer you greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.